PR Newswire, London, May 8. This press release is transmitted on
behalf of Mothercare.

According to a new survey by Mothercare, one in eight mums now
believe our society ranks their job alongside refuse collecting or
street cleaning, while a further one in 10 feel the status of motherhood
is equivalent to that of a plumber, decorator or estate agent.

These findings are part of a survey of 1,600 Mothercare customers
by ICM released today to mark the start of Positive Parenting Week (May
8-13).

However, women themselves still believe the job of bringing up a
baby to be hugely important and worthwhile even if they think society
judges them differently. Over half of the women questioned also feel
that others perceive them as happier and more fulfilled as mothers -
despite their low public perception.

``It's very sad that in the 21st Century, some mums and
mums-to-be feel so unappreciated. Society needs to value motherhood more
highly and give mums a well earned boost to their
self-esteem,'' commented Mothercare Marketing Director (and
dad of three) Steve Foulser.

Notes to Editors:

In March 2000, ICM Research surveyed over 1,600 Mothercare
customers who were all mothers or mothers-to-be, via a confidential
written questionnaire.

1. In terms of status, how do you believe society would rank your
job as a mother in one of the following categories?